4 June 2013: Malvern, UK: For those working at the forefront of polymer development, adding a Malvern Viscotek viscometer detector into gel permeation/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) set ups can help deliver the enhanced information need to achieve challenging performance specifications.
Studies with evolving commercial polymers, such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polylactic acid (PLA), show how the structural information revealed by measuring viscosity parameters enables researchers to intelligently modify polymer chain length and branching to meet precise goals. Malvern Viscotek viscometers can be supplied as part of an integrated triple detector Viscotek GPC/SEC system or as an addition to any existing separation system.
GPC/SEC is a central analytical technique for the analysis of proteins, polymers and macromolecules because of its ability to measure defining characteristics such as molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and molecular size. Modern GPC/SEC systems typically incorporate multiple detectors that work together to increase information flow.
Viscosity measurements serve a dual function within this context. When used with a refractive index (concentration) detector, they give information on molecular weight/density. This permits the determination of accurate molecular weight distributions without a relevant standard, an important benefit for new or significantly modified polymers where appropriate reference materials may not be available. On the other hand, if molecular weight is directly measured via a light scattering technique, a viscometer enables the quantification of structural characteristics such a chain branching. This information supports the sophisticated control needed to develop materials closely matched to specific applications, to manufacture stable ocular lenses, for example, in the case of PMMA, and to replace conventional polymers with an environmentally benign alternative, in the case of PLA.
To read more about GPC/SEC analysis in PLA development go to http://bit.ly/MAL1869
To find out how GPC/SEC analysis is supporting the development of ocular lenses go to http://bit.ly/MAL1961
For information about Malvern’s GPC/SEC systems visit www.malvern.com/viscotek
Malvern, Malvern Instruments and Viscotek are registered trademarks of Malvern Instruments Ltd.
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern’s materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency. Our products reflect Malvern’s drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment. Malvern systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications. Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com For press information, please contact:
Trish Appleton, Kapler Communications
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